Background

Temperature and precipitation, taken over time scales of years, decades or longer, are the basic components of climate. Climate provides the physical constraints that determine plant and animal survival and drives the basic processes that underpin ecosystems. Current climate models predict substantial climate related changes climate of this region, and in the ecology as a result. These include (1) changes in forest species composition (i.e., loss of sugar maples in the north, encroachment of savannah in the south); (2) increased frequency of heavy precipitation events and flooding; and (3) an overall increase in the heat index of 8–20°F (National Assessment Synthesis Team 2000).

Monitoring the basic components of climate will help to discern whether these predictions are accurate for the NCRN, and help managers to anticipate these changes in their management practices. For example, if the climate no longer supports sugar maples, management plans should allow for that.

Objectives

• Determine variability and long-term trends in climate for all NCRN parks through monthly and annual summaries of descriptive statistics for selected weather parameters, including air temperature and precipitation.
• Identify and determine frequencies and patterns of extreme climatic conditions for common weather parameters.

Links
NPClime
Monitoring Protocol

Reports

Contacts

Patrick Campbell
NCRN Network Coordinator
202.342.1443 ext. 229

Measures

Status

Monitoring is already being done in or near all parks in the NCRN. The data are currently managed by the National Oceanic and Air Administration (NOAA).